There’s no doubt about it; seniors today are thriving. They are running marathons, traveling the world, and launching fulfilling second careers. According to an article by the Rockland County Times, today’s seniors aren’t just concerned about lifespan (the total number of years one lives), but also about healthspan (the number of years spent in good health, free from chronic disease).
Independence is a major motivator. The article explains many seniors are treating retirement as a “second youth, and they hope to continue hiking, playing golf, or simply keeping up with their energetic grandkids.” To do that, they need to remain in good health.
That’s why we are seeing a shift from reactive to preventive healthcare. Studies show “at 75% of longevity is actually driven by lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, rather than just the genes we were born with.” As a result, active seniors are focusing on lifestyle as a form of medicine.
Seniors are also emphasizing psychological and social well-being. The article notes that research shows “loneliness can be as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” Realizing that a sense of purpose is one of the strongest predictors of a long, healthy life, older adults are prioritizing community by volunteering and joining clubs.
For more tips on living your best life during retirement, check out our other articles on Council of Seniors 365.
And be sure to stop by CouncilofSeniors.com to learn how we’re working to improve the financial well-being of America’s retirees.
